City Council honors retiring Aurora police chief

Steve Lord / The Beacon-News

Alderman Robert O'Connor, at large, left, and Mayor Tom Weisner, at microphone, honor retiring Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas and his wife, Julie, at this week's City Council meeting. Thomas leaves office after seven years as police chief on Friday.

Alderman Robert O'Connor, at large, left, and Mayor Tom Weisner, at microphone, honor retiring Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas and his wife, Julie, at this week's City Council meeting. Thomas leaves office after seven years as police chief on Friday. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)

When Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner was trying to talk Police Chief Greg Thomas out of retiring, he admitted he even used his potential last day as a talking point – Friday the 13th.

"I said that could be unlucky," Weisner joked before the City Council this week. "I used every argument on him that I could to convince him not to retire."

But it didn't work. And on Friday, Nov. 13, Thomas will spend his last day as Aurora's police chief after more than seven years in the position.

"Whether you know that or not, that's a long time for a police chief," Weisner told aldermen as they honored Thomas. "We are proud to call him one of our very own."

Thomas, 55, began his career with the Aurora Police Department right after graduating from East Aurora High School. He got his diploma in June of 1978. By January, he was an Aurora Police Department cadet. He was sworn in as a patrol officer in 1982, was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1993, lieutenant in 2003, commander in 2005, and deputy chief in 2007.

The council and mayor presented Thomas with a certificate and a plaque, which touted Thomas' "dedication and outstanding service."

Alderman Robert O'Connor, at large, and Finance Committee chairman, praised Thomas for his openness with the City Council over the years, particularly during budget discussions.

Thomas gave a thank-you back to aldermen, saying they always helped the police when they came to the council for grants, equipment – and even the new police building on Indian Trail, built while Thomas was chief.

"You supported us very well," he said.

Weisner said as chief, the statistic-minded Thomas presided over a "vast reduction in crime" throughout the city. He also praised him for being available to the council, as well as the community.

The chief said he was "humbled" by the gratitude shown this week, and admitted he had to be convinced to be honored at all.

He said he and his wife chose to "live a blended life," combining work and home life. Consequently, when Thomas attended meetings and events in the community, his wife, Julie, was often by his side.

"We tried to work in all these events together," he said.

He also praised his command staff. But while developing strategies were necessary, he said "it's really those front line officers" who make the department work.

A version of this article appeared in print on November 12, 2015, in the News section of the Chicago Tribune with the headline "Council honors retiring Aurora chief of police" —
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